Moonbase
A moonbase (or lunar base) is a human outpost on or beneath the surface of the Moon. More than a mere site of activity or temporary camp, moonbases are extraterrestrial bases, supporting robotic or human activity, by providing surface infrastructure. Missions to the Moon have realized single-mission bases (Tranquility Base in 1969 being the first), as well as some small permanent infrastructure like lunar laser ranging installations.
Plans for establishing permanent multi-mission moonbases, with surface or sub-surface research stations, are being proposed internationally. As of 2025, the two most advanced projects to establish moonbases have been pursued multilaterally as part of the U.S.-led Artemis program, with its planned Artemis Base Camp and as the China-led International Lunar Research Station. A broad, international infrastructure has been envisioned with the so-called Moon Village concept, and a general international regulatory regime for lunar activity has been called for by the 1979 signed Moon Treaty, and advocated with an implementation agreement since 2020.
The surface infrastructure of a base may consist of pre-integrated basic landers, as supporting stations for robotic rovers, or habitation modules for crewed presence, or of surface assembled or in-situ derived and constructed surface stations for sustained lunar habitation. Lunar bases may work with lunar space stations, which provide supporting infrastructure in lunar orbit.
The development of moonbases into permanent extraterrestrial settlements has been proposed. Broad lunar colonization or space colonization in general, particularly as laying territorial claims, which is prohibited by international space law, has been criticized for perpetuating colonialism.